FRISCO, Texas – Center Joe Looney has had added reps during training camp thus far and extended experience on the field during preseason. Starting center Travis Fredrick continues to have neck evaluations, after enduring several stingers in the week 1 preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers. The Cowboys are hopeful that their pro-bowl veteran will be back for the season opener against the Carolina Panthers, but until that time Looney is the guy in the middle leading the offensive line.
D210SPORTS spoke with Looney on the injury scares of Zack Martin and Travis Fredrick and their impact in the o-line, “ you cannot replace them. They are great players and I am fortunate enough to say that I play with them. Thankfully it is nothing serious and with a little rest, they will be back out here kicking butt…It has been great for me to get these reps. Coming off the field Travis is watching all my reps and telling me what I need to do and coaching me up. “
Looney’s positive attitude and contagious smile will keep the offensive line going until Fredrick’s return. Lucky for him, he has two of the greatest offensive lineman in the league as his mentors and as a result he has developed as a center.
In the press conference today, Jason Garrett remarked on his progress through preseason, “ He is a seven year veteran but he has been a backup for the large majority of his career. He has gotten a lot of snaps with the one’s. He is getting better, better, and better with the snaps that he gets. It is a great illustration of getting practice reps and game reps. He has handled it well. He has improved as a player and is a well-respected guy on our team. “
The Cowboys recently acquired center, Jacob Othnesorge for added depth at the position while Frederick continues to see specialists on his neck, but Looney is producing at the level the Cowboys want.
